Holistic Restorative Approaches at BEST

By Jessica Villeneuve

There’s something powerful happening in the Holistic Restorative Approaches Foundations strand this year and it starts with both legacy and leadership. Originally developed by Starling Collaborative founder Annie O’Shaughnessy, this strand has been thoughtfully carried forward by Jessica Villeneuve and Camille Koosmann, who bring both deep expertise and fresh energy to the work. They’ve honored the roots of restorative practices while expanding the vision into what we now understand as Holistic Restorative Education (HRE). This approach is a more integrated, human-centered approach to school culture, connection, and change. 1

At its core, this strand invites educators to rethink how we respond to harm and how we build environments where less harm happens in the first place. Restorative Practices have long been linked to improved school climate, stronger relationships, and better student outcome, but this strand goes further, weaving together restorative approaches with trauma-informed practices, mindfulness, social-emotional learning, and equity to create a cohesive framework that supports the full ecosystem of a school. Participants don’t just learn about these ideas, they experience them, practicing communication tools, exploring frameworks like the Social Discipline Window and P.A.I.R. Up!, and applying them to real-world scenarios from their own contexts.

One of the things we’ve come to love most about this strand is the structure of the learning itself. Mornings are dedicated to deep, facilitated learning with Jessica and Camille, where participants build shared understanding, practice new skills, and engage in meaningful reflection. Afternoons shift into team time, giving educators space to process, collaborate, and apply what they’ve learned directly to their own schools. It’s a simple model, but an incredibly effective one that is creating a rhythm that balances input with action, and individual growth with collective planning.

And honestly, we were a little surprised by just how well it works. June is a long month. Educators arrive tired, carrying the weight of a full school year. This conference meets that reality head-on. By prioritizing connection, slowing down, and honoring the needs of adult learners, it creates the conditions for genuine engagement and renewal. Instead of feeling drained, participants often find themselves energized, grounded, and ready to lead meaningful change. It’s not just a strand, it’s an experience that reminds us what’s possible when we center humanity in our work.

Citations:

1. Holistic Restorative Education Certificate program at Saint Michael’s College